Linkworth.com

[avaden]

Heh....well that is your choice. :-) You can post on the forum, PM me, or email me. I'll answer all of them and I would greatly appreciate suggestions. Truthfully, without suggestions, it would really be a boring service. Many of the features we have are from suggestions from our customers. So make your suggestions however you feel. Just be nice :-) HA.

[thebassman]

I'll PM you over at your forum, then. It's a good concept, just needs a little cleaning up, I think.

[James Trotta]

Originally Posted by thebassman

Just to continue the topic, I actually just had someone buy a sitewide link from my site from my account on linkworth... I'll keep people updated. The link is up on my site already, but we'll see about payment, and how long it lasts.

Nice one! I ahve a pending offer which I'd love to go see, but whenever I click on pending links I get an error message. I logged a support ticket a few hours ago and I'll update on what happens...

[thebassman]

Yeah, I noticed they were having database problems last night... hope it gets fixed quick.

[avaden]

Tim...I haven't received a PM from you. I would much appreciate your feedback. You mentioned db issues...I'm unaware of these. I've been home sick...damn allergies, but my crew hasn't said anything to me about db problems. I know our programmers were updating a few things on the system itself...so maybe that was the problem...who knows.

James T...I responded to your ticket to see if you're still getting the error. I tried to duplicate it and was unable to. I wonder if it was something to do with their updates today...but they are really smart guys and are pretty good about making things right before making it live. I am going to check your account and see if I can figure it out.

Feel free to email me with suggestions or comments ron ' @ ' linkworth -dot- com.

[thebassman]

PM sent.

[James Trotta]

I can no longer duplicate the problem which is fine by me... Anyway I now have one more link sold...

[megadawg]

I normally don't post in forums if I don't have to, but i had to after reading all of the comments in this topic.

I have been a linkworth advertiser/partner since around June. You can view our available Ads at Linkworth.com and verify i am the real deal because i use the same username there as i do to post here.

Prior to this, I experimented with purchasing text links via auctions, or directly from webmasters on their sites. Though this was effective for my SEO project, the management was a huge nightmare. My excel spreadsheet rapidly filled up with comments, color codes, active and cancelled links, etc... Those who track your placements and advertisements might know where i am coming from.

Linkworth is a relatively new website, so when considering Alexa ratings, you most definately have to consider how long the site has been up. 34K in six months isn't bad, especially if you are using completely legitimate SEO techniques to boost your visibility acorss the web.

Sure, back in April, when you posted the original message on this board, the system was a little light on the technical side, but i can now attest that this is seriously one of the most powerful SEO tools I have used. The reporting is real time and is really incredible when you consider all of the data being pulled. From the buying links standpoint, the system is extremely easy to use. IT allows for quickly sorting through links in your preferred category by price, page strength and any other quantifier you can think of. Also remember, that these tools are available for FREE.

I originally signed up with Linkworth to purchase links. I can say, that I currently manage 25 seperate text placement through this account. As previously mentioned, there will always be trouble between partners/advertisers, but the great thing is... I don't have to deal with it.

I have placed a couple of links over the last few months that didn't work out the way I wanted... and my charge on those was refunded. The admins have done a great job.

I also am a partner who uses linkworth for advertising. Feel free to visit the site and place an Adver on our website . But seriously, i manage about 90% of our advertising through here... it rocks. RSS feed, or manual placement, or whatever you want. very easy integration.

So, to sum up: I am a fan.

Look, if you are serious about SEO, it is worth checking out. I am speaking well of this website cause it has helped me out considerably. Keep in mind that the posts on this forum are many months old. I remember a time when overture.com was goto.com ..... and their system was crap! but a few months of hardcore development can do wonders.

Been a pleasure.

thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings.

Sincerely,

MegaDawg

[awall19]

>overture.com was goto.com

I don't think its fair to compare linkworth to overture.

[G10]

Originally Posted by awall19

>overture.com was goto.com

I don't think its fair to compare linkworth to overture.

Probably not the best comparison Aaron but then I don't think I would point that out to them either.

Aim high (or in this case compare high), believe and go for it.

Their belief and hard work (from what I can see anyway and I am not a member of this site) is very admirable and anybody with that much belief in what they do usually succeeds.

[puravida]

Hello all...

Like megadawg, this is my first post here, but I had to share my 2-cents after reading through this thread.

The problem with brokers and buyer/seller community sites when dealing with seo-friendly text links is the lack of automation.

I developed the technology to have SEO-friendly text links fully managed by our system. This means that our "partners" do not have to manually maintain their own links (unless they want to for some reason), and they can also offer other advertising as well (like banners and the typical javascript-delivered text ads).

Our system (LinkSmile.com) has a very powerful search for advertisers and our weekly Alexa rank is roughly 30k at the time of this post --not bad for less than a month and during pre-launch. In January, we will launch our marketing program to exponentially increase visitors and signups -although we already have a large group of buyers.

We also do not require anything to join or view our inventory because our automated text link management makes publishers not want to sell direct. That way, we can let anyone and everyone see everything. Some publishers choose to 'mask' their info until after the sale -however.

Since it sounds like there are several webmasters here looking to sell text links, I invite you to list your inventory (and automate the process) with LinkSmile. If you have quality inventory, I guarantee you'll make sales.

In fact, we tend to buy from our publishers as well --if site quality and relevance meet our expectations.

If anyone would like to PM me, please feel free or visit our site. I won't post a link because I don't want to make this post seem "spammy", but I felt that the publishers in this thread would appreciate learning about our service. Please accept my apologies, if I am wrong.

Best Regards,

Wesley

[glengara]

*..we have a directory that pushes ranking to partner websites.*

Assuming you're talking about http://dir.linkworth.com , I'd have to question the wisdom of a listing there.

Way too close identification with a link buying/selling operation, IMO.

[avaden]

puravida not to be biased because LinkWorth is my baby, but I would think your post was very spammy. Your first and only post is advertising your own service. I'm surprised it was left up...but oh well, not my forum to say what is bad.

regarding your system....the problem with the automated system is you are putting links on webmasters sites without the manual process of approving or disapproving the text link. Reading everything I have read about the do's and don'ts in the TOS, this could be considered bad by some. Then again, who really knows. The manual process is something most everyone wants because allowing just any link on your site could be harmful to your business.

My last point regarding the automation is this....for you to automate the placement of static text links on other websites, they cannot be using simple html. Sure php, asp and so on will work, but the majority of sites out there are straight html and most have limited knowledge of programming. So it seems to limit you quite a bit.

You also say you "guarantee sales"...what is the guarantee? In other words, if a partner has no sales, what does the guarantee offer them? Just a little confused by that.

Anyhow....good luck. You're coming in kind of late in the game.

"glengara"....your point makes clear sense. We are actually in the process of moving them to their own server unrelated to the actual service...although I question whether it would make any difference. If that were the case, I could just put a link to your site and screw you over....not that I would.

[puravida]

Sorry avaden, but you are simply wrong ...on all counts.

Your post shows your limited understanding of how powerful our system really is.

1. my post was not spammy -as I explained why within the post. I will not debate it further.

2. our system allows for full control. The ad placement/management is fully automated. Obviously, we DO allow the publisher to approve/deny all ads before they go live. The publisher even has the option to pre-approve ads before the buyer can even put them in their shopping cart.

When a sale is generated, the publisher will get an email, login, click approve/deny. Easy.

3. this is where you really do not understand that we have developed a NEW technology. Anyone using our system CAN have simple HTML. This is why I told you before that our system is the most powerful. It is even said on our homepage (works -even on HTML pages).

4. I do not know what you mean about the guarantee. It is simple. If someone lists a quality site at a reasonable price, I guarantee that they will make sales. Simple. Why is all of this so difficult for you to accept?

If you are going to bash someone's system, perhaps you should really take 2-minutes to know what it is capable of. If you had taken the time to view some of our client sites or the test drive on our site, you would've seen that the text links ARE on HTML pages.

And about coming in late... better late than never. Google came in "late" in the game after Yahoo had dominated but they still crushed Yahoo. Now, we will come in and crush our competitors with superior service and by offering technology that no one else has.

If you had been more cordial, we could've worked together perhaps. But, I am glad you were not because now I know that I would not have wanted to work with you. So, good luck to you as well.

Cheers,

Wesley

[avaden]

Well Wesley...I didn't realize I was bashing your service. But since I've been accused, I might as well live up to my standards. I was just making my observation points. It seems as if you are a little sensitive.

Now if you really want to get pushy....lets see how much you really do not know....

I am familiar with your system as I have already taken it for a spin. It sucks. Where's the power? I found nothing that isn't already out there?

Quote from your homepage, "Skip link brokers, blind auctions, advertising mistakes, and save $$$ by going straight to the source!"

You handle the entire process between both sides and take a commission. That makes you a broker no matter how you look at it. How are they saving money when they pay the same commissions they would at our site or any other broker site? Very contradictive.

Your post WAS spammy. All you did was come post on a forum talking about your service when you've never even made a post previously. Again, no matter how you look at this, you're wrong. If you were a member prior to and started a thread asking what others thought of your service...then it's not spammy. Seems you need to brush up on your definitions.

You said this above....

3. this is where you really do not understand that we have developed a NEW technology. Anyone using our system CAN have simple HTML. This is why I told you before that our system is the most powerful. It is even said on our homepage (works -even on HTML pages).

Funny you say this Wesley...I just went to your homepage and read it 3 times but never found where this information is located. So maybe you do not understand your own site/service.

Now lets quote something from your homepage...

LinkSmile pioneered the technology to manage SEO-friendly Text Links. Webmasters no longer need to manage ads manually nor allow insecure FTP access for a 3rd-party broker to handle.

OK...this sounds promising. Now you say you "pioneered" the process, but I don't see a thing that is so new and innovative. Also....the second point of the quote above says, "nor we allow insecure FTP access". That's odd Wesley....I received an email from your system just about 10 minutes ago and let me quote one of the things said...

2. Just a note that we are planning to develop an optional method for maintaining links within the next few months.

The option will be to input your FTP information and have us manage your pages according to a schedule.

hmmmm.....Did you vote for Kerry? flip flop flip flop

Guarantee...the definition of this word is...

To assume responsibility for the quality or performance of: guarantee a product.

So what you're saying is, you "guarantee" they will make a sale. My question was...if they do not...what responsibility do you have with regards to your guarantee? Are you going to pay them a refund of sort? Or is it just an abstract thing that is there to sell your product but has no real meaning? If that's the case, then I can say I guarantee all of our customers will be millionaire's 2 minutes after signing up. I just don't like to over promise and under deliver.

You will 'crush' your competitors, huh? Hahaha....well at least you have the firey attitude it takes to run a business. Per your example....Google did come in late and do very well....as to crushing Yahoo....not quite sir. If you know anything about business financials...Yahoo is nowhere close to being crushed by Google.

As for me being "cordial".....I read back through my initial reply to your post and maybe it's just my personality I'm used to where I don't see it, but I can't figure out where I'm being harsh or bashing your system. I asked questions and gave my opinion on a few topics...but that's what happens in a forum. Hell, read through this entire thread about LinkWorth. I even said "Good Luck". But don't worry, I know I wouldn't have worked with you. I'm into honest and forthcoming individuals that are straight shooters. Based on the examples I provided above....you flip flop too much. Regardless of my thoughts of you and your service...I still wish you well with it. Let me know when you crush me. ;D

[puravida]

Avaden,

You are simply trying to win an argument by shouting the loudest. Your points are all meaningless.

1. I was referring to you "bashing" our service and not being "cordial" when you pretended to be a customer and then sent a rude email about how it was a cheap rip-off of your site. The other forum members were not aware of this -it was meant for you only.

2. I have nothing to be sensitive about, so I believe you should question yourself on that point. Using terms like "it sucks", etc, etc... how professional is that? In all honesty, it sounds like you are jealous. Either that, or you truly do not understand what our system is capable of -even though I just explained it in my last post.

3. The broker argument is very trite. It is a matter of semantics. We are not like traditional brokers -as we do not even know when a sale has happened in most cases. So, we do not directly negotiate deals, set prices, ...you know what? who cares. This is a ridiculous point.

Ahh... deep breath... let's continue humoring you for just a short while longer:

4. As I said before, I won't continue to argue the "spam" accusation. If the mods feel my post(s) are inappropriate, by all means, delete them. I have no problem with that -as it is not my forum.

5. The fact that our system manages text links -even on HTML pages is on several pages of the site. Mostly within the free help tutorials in our library. In one of our revisions of the homepage, we did remove the part of "-even on HTML pages" (which was not intended). I have added it back. Thanks for pointing that out. It will help in conversions.

I also added a whole section -just for you- in the "sellers misconceptions" that explains this in more detail.

6. Once again, what is new and innovative eludes you. Why does this not surprise me? Our new and innovative technology manages text links -even on HTML pages- without requiring FTP access, special access, etc. How many times and different ways can I explain this for you?

7. The email we sent out stated that we plan to develop and offer an option using FTP to manage links (same as competitors) for those that -for whatever reason- cannot use our other, more reliable, more secure, proprietary technology. There has been one (1) case already where this might have been a suitable alternative, and although the FTP method is not as reliable or secure; we believe in providing as many options as possible.

8. Oh, guarantee... you got me. I should shut down and go home now. It is not an explicit guarantee, but if you want to know what was meant by it... fine. We have so many buyers looking to buy that if you have a quality site at a reasonable price, then you are guaranteed to make a sale. If you don't, then I'm sure we can use a link for another one of our own projects.

So, even if someone else doesn't buy, we would. Quality and reasonable are objective terms, so we are not promoting this guarantee -per se'- so I'm not sure why you are clinging to it as if your life depends on proving this point.

9. I figured you would try to twist my comment about Google. And, yes, Google did crush Yahoo in the search arena. Did I say financially? No. Now, Yahoo got wise and got rid of Google for it's search results, so Google was pushed back down. Yes, yes... we can argue this all day, but -unlike you- I prefer not to argue.

10. I never flip-flopped (as you tried to eloquently to make it appear), and I think it is left up to publishers to decide on the capabilities of our individual systems. I never put down LinkWorth, pointed out flaws (which I could), or said your service "sucks". But, I am sure the publishers will make up their own minds about it.

11. I am not out to crush LinkWorth. In fact, I never even gave your site a second thought until you sent your rude email the other day. We have grander goals of earning advertiser budgets and taking market share from the giants like Overture, Google, FastClick, etc.

In the process, we will take market share from places like Text-Link-Ads and TextLinkBrokers as well. It is inevitable when a better system comes along.

So, the "crushing" comment was not directed at LinkWorth. I wish you well with your service as well -in spite of your hateful attitude. In fact, I just emailed another competitor I just found out about with a friendly "hello" email asking them to let me know if they wanted to work together or ever wanted to sell their company.

Their reply was very friendly and polite, and they have bought some links from us and we will do the same for them. That is how honest and forthcoming businesspersons do business -even when it is a competitor.

*****

Best Regards,

Wesley

[Dave Hawley]

IMO, any business that relies on Google's link popularity, PR ect will sooner or later be "crushed" by Google themselves.

While those that run such businesses never admit it, they are almost totally reliant on link popularity, PR etc. That is the main reason Webmasters jump into these schemes. Google simply aint going to sit on it's hands and allow these businesses to manipulate its core ranking element.

[puravida]

Hi Dave,

I think your opinion is justified.

However, I feel that link popularity is here to stay. And, I would never recommend someone rely solely on Google for traffic or even on search engines in general.

I recommend that search rankings be a side-benefit of a well planned linking campaign. The reason is that not everyone is manipulating the search engines. For instance, I own a site (other than LinkSmile) which receives over 60,000 uniques per month from search engines (not just google) and this is because its link popularity is so high and so relevant.

We are not manipulating the search engines because all the links are natural result of paid advertising on quality sites from which we receive quite a bit more traffic than we get from search engines.

However, in many cases, I agree 100% with you that the search engines will eventually crush those trying to manipulate rankings. In fact, I welcome it. It will bring more quality sites to the surface.

There are several markets where companies advertise online and by the sheer nature of advertising, their link popularity increases. In these cases, it is imperative to have a good advertising plan and linking campaign running.

One of the uniqueness of how I approach the business is that I do not push pagerank or link popularity as a primary factor. Those are secondary. We have been successful in our online advertising by finding sites with good traffic whose link to us will send us quality, relevant traffic AND help boost link popularity as a side benefit.

Best Regards,

Wesley